Make do with what you’ve got: UVU making space for students

The hard work that Utah Valley University administration has put in for new facilities to accommodate its growing population is starting to pay off, starting with a new parking lot scheduled to be complete by the beginning of the fall 2011 semester.

Utah Valley University authorities hope that the new lot, located just south of the track and west of existing parking lots outside the Liberal Arts building, will relieve parking congestion on the north end of campus.  According to UVU Facilities manager Jim Michaelis, the 415 car lot will be completed on August 21, and will be available to every student who purchases a parking pass. 

“We hope that the new lot will clear up a lot of the traffic jams in the parking lots near the Liberal Arts building,”  Michaelis said.  “Too many cars are taking up space in the parking lots waiting for a space to open up.

With increases in the student body each of the last three years, parking has become a challenge to many students who commute to school.

It’s needed and overdue,” said UVU senior Brent Housley. “I understand that it’s costly but it’s necessary to accommodate the number of students here.”

Additional parking will benefit the venues held at the UCCU Center located on campus as well.  UCCU Center Director Mark Hildebrand was excited for additional access to UCCU Center venues that take place during school hours.

We can continue to expect quality turnouts for our weekday events," Hildebrand said. "Only now parking will be somewhat less of an inconvenience for our participants.

Funding has been approved for a parking structure outside the Sorensen Student Center, which will coincide with the construction of a new Student Life and Wellness building.  Michaelis anticipates both projects will be complete for the fall semester of 2013.

For information regarding the proposed Student Life and Wellness Center and parking structure, please visit http://www.uvureview.com/2010/09/07/student-life-and-wellness-center/.